and Betty appeared in the door-way. A very pale, weary Betty
she looked now she was away from her own darkened room.

"Kitty, Dr. Yearsley is looking for you. I think Aunt Pike is awake and
asking for you." Then, as Kitty hurried past her, "He says she is a
little better, only ever so little; but it is good news, isn't it? She
will get well, won't she, Kitty? Oh, do say 'yes,'" and Betty, who had
never before bestowed any love or thought on her aunt, had as much as
she could do to keep her tears back.

It was a very nervous, trembling Kitty who presently entered the large,
dim bedroom where Aunt Pike, so helpless and dependent now, lay very
still and white on her bed. Kitty almost shrank back as she first
caught sight of her, half fearing the change she should see. But the
only change in the face she had once so dreaded was the expression.

When Dr. Yearsley bent over her, and said cheerfully, "Here she is; here
is Kitty," the white lids lifted slowly, and Aunt Pike's eyes looked at
her as they had never looked before. Kitty went over very close to her,
and kissed her.

"I am so sorry," she said sympathetically, "that you are ill, Aunt Pike,
but so glad you are a little, just a little bit better."

Mrs. Pike did not answer her; she seemed to have something on her mind
that she must speak of, and she could grasp nothing else. "I--I have
been--very--unjust--to you," she gasped, speaking with the greatest
difficulty. "You--should--have--told me."

"No, no," said Kitty eagerly, bending and kissing her again,
"you haven't. You didn't know. I meant you never to know."

"Anna--knew. She--should--"

Kitty bent down, speaking eagerly. "Anna did more for me--for us all.
She saved Dan's life--in that fire."

The poor invalid looked up with a gleam of pleasure in her eyes.
"Did she? I am--very glad; but it--it did not excuse--the other.
That is--beyond forgiveness."

"Oh no!" cried Kitty warmly, "nothing is that. It is all forgiven long
ago, and we will never think of it again."

Aunt Pike's hand was almost helpless, but Kitty felt it press hers ever
so slightly, and stooping down she laid her fresh warm cheek against her
aunt's cold one. "You must make haste and get well," she said
affectionately, "and then we shall all be happy again."

"It-doesn't matter. No one cares," gasped the poor invalid, tears of
weakness creeping out from between her lids.

"Oh, you mustn't say that," cried Kitty sturdil